The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has described Nigerians living abroad as a valuable asset for national development, insisting that they should not be regarded as a consular burden.
Enikanolaiye made the remarks when the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, led the Commission’s top management team on a courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja.
The minister said Nigerians in the Diaspora have continued to distinguish themselves in various fields across the world, contributing significantly to the image and development of the country.
According to him, only a few individuals are responsible for the negative narratives about Nigeria in the international media, stressing that such isolated incidents should not overshadow the achievements and positive contributions of the vast majority of Nigerians abroad.
He commended NiDCOM for what he described as its remarkable achievements despite numerous challenges, noting that the Commission has successfully bridged the institutional gap that existed before its establishment.
Enikanolaiye said the agency’s performance has justified the Federal Government’s decision to establish it, adding that it has played a pivotal role in connecting Nigeria with its citizens overseas.
The minister also praised Dabiri-Erewa for her resilience, dedication and commitment, saying her leadership has continued to project Nigerians in the Diaspora positively while ensuring that their skills, expertise and resources are harnessed for the country’s development.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to working closely with NiDCOM in advancing the 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
As part of efforts to deepen diaspora participation in national development, Enikanolaiye proposed strategic engagement with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to strengthen collaboration between state governments and Nigerians living abroad on development initiatives.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa congratulated the minister on his appointment and reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in promoting diaspora engagement.
She highlighted the Commission’s achievements since its establishment but pointed to inadequate funding and the absence of a permanent office as major challenges affecting its operations.
The NiDCOM boss noted that the Commission has consistently enjoyed a cordial and productive relationship with successive Ministers of State for Foreign Affairs and expressed confidence that the partnership would be further strengthened under Enikanolaiye’s leadership.
She also appreciated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its continued support and collaboration in promoting the interests of Nigerians in the Diaspora and leveraging their contributions for national development.
